Leto halts his procession along the high ridge leading toward Festival City, much to the quiet frustration of his major-domo Moneo, who remains fixated on strict schedules and royal duties. As the party pauses above the mist-shrouded Idaho River and the distant Kynes Sea, Leto reflects upon the stark transformation of Arrakis over the millennia. Where lush green fields, planted forests, and urban spires now stretch toward the horizon, an unforgiving expanse of scorching sand and barren dunes once dominated the landscape. This morning’s nostalgic reverie stirs deep echoes of the God Emperor's long-lost human past, contrasting sharply with the relentless progression of his deeply alien and monstrous physical form.
Meanwhile, the newly appointed Duncan Idaho observes the royal entourage and exchanges cautious interactions with the Fish Speaker guards. Wearing his distinctive black uniform with white piping, Idaho questions the geography of the surrounding region, specifically searching for the remnants of ancient landmarks like the Shield Wall and the Sareer. Leto reveals that the bustling city of Onn now covers what was once Muad'Dib's Gap and the vast Land of Terror. While Idaho listens with a mix of surprise and military curiosity, Moneo silently worries about the growing undercurrent of rebellion within Siona, dreading the unpredictable consequences of Leto's ancient memories and his unusually reflective moods.
As the brief respite draws to a close, Leto activates his Ixian cart, choosing mechanical wheels over anti-gravity floaters as a deliberate physical connection to the earth below. Moneo orders Idaho to fall back to his proper position among the guards, navigating the delicate social hierarchy of the royal court. Leto acknowledges Moneo's firm management of the commander before pushing the procession forward once more, steering his massive, transformed body toward the obligations of the empire while remaining shrouded in enduring mystery even to those closest to him.